African indigo (Mossi) is Best When Cleaned

When I received my last water bill, I noticed my water consumption had gone up considerably over the past twelve months.  I knew instantly is was because I had been doing dozens of loads of wash filled with vintage African indigo.  Living in southern California, using too much water is a problem due to drought. But when I take these delicate African indigo textiles to a fluff-n-fold, or commercial laundry, they aren't given the care required to keep them in good condition.

You might be wondering just how dirty can these African indigo textiles can be? The piece shown above required two separate washings, more spot cleaning, then a third 24-hour-soak in textile detergent/water to get it into shape. It was full of dirt, wax, palm oil, and who knows what. I had to ask myself if it was worth all the water and energy required to revive it? But when I finally see the original beauty of the indigo cloth I know it's absolutely all worth it.
​photo credit: Morrissey Fabric

Then there are the white pieces of vintage African mud cloth to clean. I do my best to preserve the hand twisted fringe on these textiles. Some of the Oyster white vintage African mud cloth also requires multiple washings, spot cleanings, and repairs. When I send a vintage African textile to a new home I know it will be well-received because it has been restored as thoroughly as possible.
​photo credit: Morrissey Fabric

So when you are looking at the African indigo listings in my on line shop or my Etsy store, you will understand why my mud cloth textiles may cost more than some other retailers. It's quite simply because you are paying for quality and the care that went into ech African Mossi cloth.
Be sure to take a look at all the lovely African indigo mud cloth I carry in my Etsy shop.  If you don't see one you like, you can always message or email me with a special request.
​photo credit: Indian Tan

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